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16thCentury RockCrystal Hogback ScissorCut Silver High Relief Scrollwork Pendant

$11,680
£8,826.19
€10,192.08
CA$16,321.04
A$18,109.57
CHF 9,486.18
MX$222,071.89
NOK 120,660.94
SEK 113,898.78
DKK 76,008.77
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About the Item

In a rare scissor cut dating to the 1500s, this centuries-old prong-set hogback rock-crystal pendant produces a fascinating play of refractions in low light. With its rectangular narrow-edge silver frame decorated with high-relief curvy scrollwork and chasing on both sides, the bail-topped pendant was meant to be seen in its entirety, such as dangling from its jump-ring with turning movement that reveals both sides of the crystal--ideally in flickering candlelight. When seen from certain angles, the bold reflections of the x-shaped sides of the crystal make some of its edges momentarily appear to be darkly metallic. Our additional new photos show how brilliant it is in even dim light--without lit candles. It may have been commissioned to be worn as a brooch hanging from a hat or as an earring. If worn as a pendant on a necklace, the deep pavilion of the crystal would face outward as it will not lay against the chest like its opposite flat crown. By the 1700s, this antique variety of French-cut gem had almost disappeared in favor of the newer brilliant cut. The scissor cut was briefly popular during the Art-Deco period for geometric colored-gem jewelry, which was accentuated by its uniquely large triangular-and-diamond-shaped cuts. Scissor-cut rock crystals can be found in Renaissance collections of leading European museums, while the nobility-commissioned objects are mostly identified as French, Austrian or German. Unlike diamonds over centuries, rock crystal was not recut to suit new lapidary fashions.
  • Metal:
  • Stone:
  • Stone Cut:
  • Weight:
    15 g
  • Dimensions:
    Width: 1.19 in (30 mm)Depth: 0.5 in (12.5 mm)Length: 1.97 in (50 mm)
  • Style:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1500s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Chicago, IL
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU3244219156212

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